The 41st annual Kennedy Center Honors aired Wednesday (Dec. 26) on CBS, with one of the highlights being a performance from Kelly Clarkson paying tribute to honoree Reba McEntire with her hit "Fancy."

In a clip posted by the Kennedy Center to social media (watch above), Clarkson gives a spirited delivery of the song — which had McEntire herself clapping delightedly from the audience — but she revealed far more of her heart in her speech preceding the performance.

"Thank you so much, Reba for listening to me vent as an artist," she said to the icon, who also happens to be her mother-in-law. "Thank you so much for comforting me on the phone through my tears like a friend and thank you for being a really rad grandma for my kids."

The Kennedy Center Honors national celebration of the arts took place on Dec. 2, hosted by 2017 honoree Gloria Estefan. Besides Reba, other artists to receive the honor this year included Cher, pianist Philip Glass and jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter. Lin-Manuel Miranda, director Thomas Kail, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler and music director Alex Lacamoire were also recognized.